In this modern age, many do not read for pleasure. There are many reasons why this happens. Some believe that reading takes too much time or effort. Others may never have enjoyed school readings and cannot imagine doing it for pleasure. Some were simply never in an environment that promoted a love of reading. However, this activity can significantly enhance the life experience, plus there are ways to make it more enjoyable, whether you read frequently or just for school or work assignments. As George R. R. Martin, author of the Game of Thrones saga, once wrote: “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only once”.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Find the Right Reading Material
Step 1. Reflect on why you want to read
People read for many different reasons. Before choosing a book, consider what you want to get out of that experience. Some like to read books that teach them new skills, whether it's about programming languages or hunting or camping skills. Others like the narrative, be it fictional or biographical, because it transports them to other times, worlds or situations. Think first about what you would like to go with after reading.
You are more likely to learn to love reading if you connect with something that has meaning to you. If for you reading is an exercise or something that you “should” like, it is likely that it will not leave a significant impact on you
Step 2. Identify what you want to read
When you know if you want to learn, entertain yourself, or something else, you can narrow down the range of book types based on your answer. For example, just knowing that you want an entertaining story doesn't necessarily steer you between poetry, literature, popular fiction, memoirs, and other types of writing that provide an entertaining narrative.
- Try doing an Internet search for popular books in your chosen area. This will give you a list of suggestions where you could start.
- Check with your local librarian. Librarians will be happy to make recommendations for you to read. When you know what you want from your reading, ask your librarian if he knows of any related books.
- Talk to the employees at your local bookstore. Most bookstore workers love reading and books. They can be a great source of recommendations. Talking to people who are passionate about reading, it might even ignite the spark in you!
Step 3. Take into account the genre that you think you will enjoy the most
You can narrow down your reading options even further once you choose a general type of writing based on the genre you want. If you've settled on popular fiction, for example, you can choose between horror, science fiction, history, fantasy, romance, mystery, or more realistic books that take a less fanciful approach to their characters and settings.
As another example, if you decide that you want to read nonfiction history books, then consider the time and the topics that interest you most. A book on D-Day in Normandy during World War II will obviously be a very different reading experience than a book on Roman Senate politics around the time of Julius Caesar
Step 4. Test your chosen genre to find writers who go with you
Even within a specific genre, you might not like the style of a certain writer due to their particular voice. This may be due to the time the book was written, the tone, the point of view, or a variety of other reasons. If you don't like a book in the genre you think you might like best, try to identify why.
For example, if you decide you want to read horror novels, older novels like Frankenstein or Dracula will be very different from Stephen King or Clive Barker
Step 5. Make connections between reading and other interests
Maybe you are passionate about social causes or another topic. Look for books related to topics that you are passionate about or that frame the topic in a broader context.
Remember that you can also read more than books. Other reading materials include print and online magazines, blogs, and other resources
Step 6. Stop reading the books you don't like
Some sometimes feel compelled to finish a book even if they don't like it. If you try to read a 300-page novel that you don't like to the end, you will develop an aversion to reading, not a love for it. Many books can take a while while they develop the setting and characters, but if you don't get “hooked” after 50 to 75 pages, there is nothing wrong with moving on to another.
Step 7. Remember that reading is deeply personal
Reading is not a competition. It is a deeply personal and subjective activity. You don't have to feel guilty about not finding anything good in the award-winning novel that everyone is talking about. Nor should you be embarrassed if you really love something that some consider "uncultured," such as comic books or romance novels. Read what you like and don't compare yourself to anyone.
Method 2 of 3: Develop a Reading Routine You Love
Step 1. Create or find a good reading environment
Find a quiet, well-lit, and comfortable place. You can even have your reading corner in your bedroom. Constant distractions can make it difficult for you to concentrate, and no one likes to read the same passages over and over again. For many, finding the right environment to read can be as important as searching for the perfect book.
- There are those who suffer from sensitivity to light, which causes headaches when reading. Avoid high-contrast printing, glossy paper, and fluorescent lights.
- You also don't have to limit yourself to reading at home. Go to coffee shops, cafes, or bars in your area.
Step 2. Set a time to read
Try setting a certain time to read every day. Even if it's only 10 minutes in the lunch break, 20 minutes on the bus and 15 minutes before going to bed, accumulated add up to 45 minutes of the day reading.
You can even turn it into some kind of game. Set a daily reading time goal and reward yourself when you reach it. Over time, you may discover that reading is itself a reward
Step 3. Always carry a book with you
You never know when you will find a few extra minutes to read. Situations such as sitting in waiting rooms, in public transport, waiting for a friend in a restaurant, among others, are when we tend to take out our cell phones and send text messages or enter Facebook. By having a book in your bag, you can help you develop a love of reading.
If you have an electronic reader, you can take a whole library with you. The options are endless
Step 4. Have a reading list
Whether in a notebook, in a note on your cell phone or elsewhere, try to have a list of books that you have heard and would like to read. Remembering titles and authors is difficult, and arriving at the bookstore and not remembering anything is frustrating. But by having a list on hand, you will always remember which books seem interesting.
If you are in the library or bookstore and you see a book that intrigues you, take a picture of the cover. That way, you will remember it later
Step 5. Look for authors or sagas that you like
When you find an author whose style you love, try doing a search of his other books. Although the plot or theme of the author's other books may not appeal to you, your taste in his writing style can lead you to enjoy unexpected books. Try looking for other books written by the author that you really like.
Step 6. Socialize around reading
Find out about literary clubs or book groups that specialize in the books you enjoy. While reading can be a more solitary activity than watching movies or TV shows, it doesn't necessarily have to be. Books can be just as fun to talk to other people as other media.
Finding these local groups is not always easy, so remember to also look for reading communities on the Internet
Step 7. Try the audiobooks
Sometimes school, work, or other obligations may not leave you with the free time you would like to read. In these situations, try listening to audiobooks to keep getting your daily book fix. Hearing a book read aloud will keep you enthralled with reading when you don't have time to read a physical book.
Step 8. Visit your local library
Taxes are used to fund libraries, so you should try to read as many free books as possible (as long as you remember to return or renew them on time).
Many public libraries even loan out e-books that you can read from home
Step 9. Go to a bookstore
Bookstores, whether they are large chains or small businesses, are great places to look if you prefer to have your own books. Sometimes being surrounded by books and books is all it takes to re-ignite the passion to read new things.
Method 3 of 3: Help Children Love Reading
Step 1. Offer a choice
One reason many students and young people don't like to read is because they always think it is “required” and never an option. If you offer them the option to read, where you take into account their interests, they will be more likely to learn to love reading.
- The option of how to read can also be helpful. For example, reading periods in class can be very useful for some students, while others have to be alone at home to concentrate well.
- Choosing what to read can help young people understand that reading is not always boring. In addition to the classics, give them options like magazines and comics.
Step 2. Provide an environment that encourages reading
If there are not many books or other reading materials in your home, it will be more difficult for your son or daughter to see that reading can be a pleasant activity to spend free time. Have fun and interesting books around your home.
- Set a good example by reading. If your kids see you enjoying a good book, they are more likely to grab one to read.
- Try reading together as a family. Creating a positive association between reading and family free time can help take pressure off young people to “perform well” in their reading.
- Create a “reading space”, either in your class or at home. It doesn't have to have other distractions and it should be a nice little haven where your child can enjoy reading.
- Use books as prizes. Offer your child to go to the bookstore to buy a few new books as a reward for doing chores or getting good grades in school. Help him see that reading can be fun and fulfilling.
Step 3. Encourage creativity
There is no reason for the story to end when you close the cover of the book. Encourage young people to get involved in reading creatively.
- For example, you can encourage your students or your children to draw scenes from what they have read.
Love Reading Step 19 Bullet1 - Reading with funny character voices can add drama to your reading.
- Ask the children questions to find out what they think of the reading.
- Encourage them to think about what might happen in the story or to write their own sequel.
- Ask them to create a movie poster highlighting what they consider to be the most important element in the book.
Step 4. Be a supportive and encouraging adult
One reason children may feel uncomfortable reading is that they worry that they will not understand what they have read and will give the "wrong" answer. Support and encourage young readers.
- Never tell a young reader that their opinion or interpretation is "wrong." Rather, ask how he came to that opinion. This will help you put into words how you formulated your ideas and help teach you how to hone your reading skills.
- If a young reader tells you that it is difficult for him to understand the reading, be patient. Don't make him feel stupid or ignorant by not understanding the material. Rather, ask questions to find out where the confusion is and guide your child to stronger skills.
- Accept all comments, no matter how “wrong” or inaccurate they may seem, as a valuable contribution. Remember that it can be scary for young or inexperienced readers to even give their opinions. If the idea is imprecise or needs correction, ask more questions about the topic rather than rejecting it outright.
Advice
- Many decide they don't like to read because the books they had to read at school were boring. Remember that schools often regulate what students read, and such books do not represent the diversity of readings available at all.
- Read with a friend to talk after the book.
- Try reading plays. Many immediately think of Shakespeare, but in reality it can be any play. This is a very different reading experience and many find it enjoyable.
- For some, reading a little about the author's life helps. If you like the books of a certain author, try to find out a little about his life. This will help make the book more fun. It will also help you to have more information about the author, the way the book was conceived, among other things.
- Once you know what style you like to read, make sure to branch out from time to time. You never know when you might find another favorite.
- Ask people you know who have similar tastes to yours for suggestions.
- Remember not to limit yourself to just books. Keep in mind that there are a large number of magazines, newspapers, websites, etc. that you might love.
- Ask others for advice. If there is someone in your family who likes to read ask for advice, if there is no one in your family, find a teacher or friend.
- Start with light books. Remember that a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. It is advisable to start with The Little Prince, a very beautiful and easy-to-read book. If you don't have that book, start with the Bible. You can also borrow books from your friends and as you read them, return them and ask for new books.
- Take notes. Write down everything you liked about the book you are reading.
- Find a comfortable place to read. A good book, a good armchair, good light and something good to drink will make your experience a fantastic one.
- Go to the library either at your school or one you know. Start reading books and you will see how your grades, vocabulary, knowledge and culture begin to improve.